Blue Cross/Blue Shield rescues Agape Food Bank

Monday

LAKELAND - One of the nation's largest health insurers, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, is helping stock local food banks with fresh produce.

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida Foundation contributed $250,000 last month to assist a farm-to-table initiative of the Florida Association of Food Banks.

The foundation, a philanthropic arm of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield network of independent insurance companies, seeks to offset the costs of packing bulk donations by farmers and growers.

In Polk County, the initiative will help Agape Food Bank distribute healthier food options to needy families.

"The problem is, produce is expensive," said Michael Oberle, director of Agape, a program of Catholic Charities. "That (grant) money is really going to help offset the costs, be it transportation or some of the processing fees for the farmers."

Based in Lakeland, Agape Food Bank distributes nearly 5 million pounds of food annually to the needy in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties through a network of member churches and secular, nonprofit organizations.

Demand has soared in recent years, driven by a faltering economy, Oberle said. At the same time, donations of canned and dry goods, especially from individuals, has declined.

Most major supermarket chains in Florida have stepped up to help fill the gap, Oberle said, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield has added to the largesse.

Susan Towler, vice president of the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Florida Foundation, said in a news release that the company is committed to the health and well-being of Floridians.

"Supporting hunger relief efforts is one of the most personal ways we can make a difference for people in need," she said.

Added Rebecca Brislain, executive director of the food bank association: "We think this is a wonderful gift that will go a long way to increase fresh fruits and vegetables available at food banks throughout Florida."

One in six people living in the greater Tampa Bay area is in need of food, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. Many of these people are considered food insecure, defined as having limited availability to nutritionally adequate foods.

news@newschief.com

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